Per Licensing Rule MCHHS "Social service worker" means a person who performs social services functions covered by the MCHSS licensing rules.

The Social Service Worker will provide the necessary services to help children in need including homeless, foster, abused and neglected. In many situations, he/she will interact with children and family members, including siblings, parents, extended relatives, and guardians to assess the needs of each child and determine the best course of action for improving the child/family environment.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Assess, evaluate, conduct initial and ongoing case management of children in the program
• Screen for human trafficking
• Develop, review, update and ensure implementation of strength-based service plans for each child in care or custody including risk assessment, safety plans and goals.
• Complete all documentation in agreement with agency and regulatory
• Attend home and foster care visits; transport children to health, social services or other agency-related appointments as required.
• Maintain ongoing communication with HOL staff and other constituencies, initiate court action when necessary.
• Empower families to make stable commitments to children by providing counseling and coordinating visits with biological parents and/or guardians and other relatives; develop a helping relationship and ensure needed supports and services are provided.
• Attend bi-weekly staff meetings and in-service trainings
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism in the community, with clients, schools, courts and with referring agencies seeking to build and sustain positive relationships.

Training:

1. Maintain renewals yearly or as specified
2. Undergo background checks through Michigan State Police (if necessary) to ensure safety of all residents receiving personal care.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree with a major in a human behavioral science from an accredited college or university or another major with 25% of credits in human behavioral sciences.
• Social Work License (LLBSW or LBSW) (Required)
• Knowledge of computers (Microsoft Excel/Word/Outlook)

Qualities:

Trustworthy, Honest, Social, People Person, Warm, Friendly, Caring, courteous, respectful, good manager of time, Ability to work under pressure, ability to multitask and patient

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: analytical ability, effective and legible written and verbal communication skills are essential. Ability to follow directions. Ability to prepare correspondence. Computer skills desired and the ability to exercise diplomacy, discretion, interpersonal problem solving and attention to detail abilities required.

Physical and Mental Requirements: Must possess hearing acuity to converse in person and on the telephone. Visual acuity to read and proofread documents. Ability to drive an automobile with a valid Michigan Driver's License and a good driving record. Some walking, standing and physical assistance, possibly some lifting may be required. Mental capability to analyze complex interpersonal situations and personalities.